Total pages in book: 54
Estimated words: 50148 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 251(@200wpm)___ 201(@250wpm)___ 167(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 50148 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 251(@200wpm)___ 201(@250wpm)___ 167(@300wpm)
Alessia shivered, remembering the bloody gloves Enzo had dropped on his desk. Her brother was desperately clinging to control and willing to eliminate anyone who interfered. She wondered what the future would hold.
“You’re safe with me, Little mate.”
She looked up at him and forced the bad thoughts out of her head. Smiling, she nodded, “I know I am. Thank you, Daddy.”
“A totally selfish move on my part. Have you talked to Carina about going to Nightfall tonight?”
“Yes. I’m so excited to see her again. She’s so nice. She… She told me her Daddy changed her into a vampire.”
“Does that scare you?”
“Kinda. Carina said the process wasn’t painful.” Alessia shifted a bit in her chair before admitting, “She said it was hot.”
“Then Marcus handled her transition correctly.”
Gathering her courage, Alessia forced herself to ask, “Is that something you want to do to me?”
“Turning you is a decision we’ll need to make at some point. Vampires live for many years. Marcus has been around longer than I have, and Alaric is older than both of us put together. I would love to have you with me for the rest of my life, but this a choice you will need to make. I won’t force you to join our clan.”
Some of the tension relaxed from her shoulders. Since Carina had told her about being a vampire, Alessia’s concerns had multiplied. She was relieved to hear that she would have a say. That was what Marcus had done with Carina. He’d allowed her to decide.
“If you have questions, I will answer you honestly and fully. I will not mislead you,” Titus assured her.
“Yes, Daddy. You haven’t lied to me yet. I can’t imagine you’d start now.”
“Thank you for your confidence in my character, Little mate. I would never use deceit with my clan or with you. At least not without a very good reason—a life or death risk.”
Alessia tilted her head as she considered that statement. His admission that he could use a lie to save a someone was understandable, but she didn’t like to consider he would ever lie to her.
“That bothers you, doesn’t it, Alessia?”
“Yes. I’d rather you always tell me the truth.”
“Let’s say a man has a gun to my head, and he’s going to kill me unless I send you away. I would definitely make up a story to get you out of there,” Titus explained.
“Or you could give me some sign that warned me you were lying, and I could flee to keep myself safe, but then I could alert Marcus to come help you,” Alessia suggested, planning quickly on her feet.
I could simply communicate with you this way.
“Oh, yeah. I forget that you can talk to me mentally without anyone knowing.”
“If a problem arises and I need you to run away, I will send you a message. I’ll also alert my clan simultaneously,” Titus assured her.
“I’d like to help somehow,” Alessia said.
“Remember, Alessia. I am not human. I have abilities you don’t have, like the ability to cloak myself and to heal wounds. Those skills came in handy when you escaped from Enzo. Sending you to safety would allow me to concentrate on the threat. By following my instructions, you’d help me.”
She studied him. Would she be able to leave him if he were in danger? Titus made a good point that he had talents she didn’t. He’d never focus on himself if she was at risk. He would concentrate on saving her even at the risk of harm to himself.
After considering the dilemma, Alessia agreed with his request. “I wouldn’t like it, but I would follow your directions. I’d rather you concentrate on getting yourself out of danger than putting yourself at risk to rescue me.”
“Thank you, Little mate. I like the idea of a secret message between us. How about if I pat my heart three times to let you know I love you.”
Alessia stared at him. He’d said the words that resonated so strongly inside her. Was he making that up? About loving her? Titus had never told her anything he didn’t mean. She smiled at him as a sweet feeling swelled in her chest.
“How about if I remind you every once in a while? I’ll remind you I love you with that gesture in situations where everything is safe.” Titus thumped his chest in rapid succession.
“You really love me?” popped out of her mouth before she could stop it. She wanted to believe him with every fiber of her being.
“You are my mate, Alessia. I’ve loved you since our first touch.” Titus rose from his chair and scooped her up into his arms. After sitting down with her on his lap, he pressed a sweet kiss to her mouth.
“I love you,” he repeated. His next kiss scorched her lips with passion. Titus demanded a response.